How to Wire a Battery Isolation Solenoid to Maintain a Charge on a Trailer Mounted Winch Battery
Question:
Item number PK5231201 Battery Isolation Solenoid Is this all I would need to be able to charge my winch battery on my trailer while driving. I am thinking that i would use the running light wire to activate the solenoid since multiple people use the trailer I would want the solenoid mounted on the trailer. Would that work? Also should the factory wiring on a 2007 gmc sierra with tow package be sufficient to maintain the battery.
asked by: Stanley W
Expert Reply:
The Battery Isolation Solenoid # PK5231201 is one part that I would recommend using to cut-off power to the winch battery when you are not in tow with your trailer. You can wire the 12-volt accessory power wire on your trailer connector through the 7-way connector to get the maintaining charge from your vehicle to your winch battery.
I also recommend wiring in a 40 amp circuit breaker like # PK54540, if you do not already have one, in-line on the power wire running to your winch/trailer battery.
I would not recommend connecting the solenoid to the running light circuit due to the higher amp draw through the solenoid. If there is a electrical issue with the solenoid you could damage the lighting circuits on the your vehicle. It is recommended to install solenoid within the ignition circuit of your vehicle.
The 12-volt accessory feed on the 7-way trailer plug will give you enough power to maintain a charge on your winch battery. However, if your winch battery would happen to discharge completely, then the 12-volt accessory circuit will not re-charge up your battery.
I have include an article that explains different ways of wiring a winch on a trailer.
Products Referenced in This Question
Pollak Circuit Breaker - Cycling/Automatic Reset - 40 Amp - Straight Mount Bracket
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- Circuit Breaker
- 40 Amp
- Pollak
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Product Page this Question was Asked From
Starter Solenoid - SPST - 12 Volt - 100 Amp - Continuous Duty - Grounded
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- Battery Boxes
- Switches and Solenoids
- 100 Amp
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